Chambers defeats Dimitrenko!

Earns shot at Wladimir Klitschko

By Karl Freitag and Alexey Sukachev
Photos: Marianne Müller

Click the photo to go to the next photo
“Fast” Eddie Chambers will be the next WBO challenger for world champion Wladimir Klitschko. In the most impressive performance of his career, Chambers (35-1, 18 KOs) schooled previously unbeaten WBO #1 ranked Alexander Dimitrenko (29-1, 19 KOs) over twelve rounds on Saturday night in a WBO eliminator at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany. The six-inches shorter Chambers was willing to meet Dimitrenko in the center of the ring and got the better of the early exchanges. Chambers was faster and sharper as he beat Dimitrenko to the punch while avoiding the Ukrainian’s power shots. Dimitrenko seemed lost as he searched in vain for an effective tactic against the well-schooled Philadelphia fighter. Dimitrenko took a standing count from referee Geno Rodriguez after a body shot from Chambers in round seven. Chambers dropped Dimitrenko and sent his mouthpiece flying with a left hook in the tenth round, but Dimitrenko survived some heavy shots to finish the round. Chambers rocked Dimitrenko again in the last round to punctuate his brilliant performance. Scores were a bizarre 113-113 (Paul Thomas), and a more realistic 116-111, 117-109.
—–
WBA/WIBF flyweight champion Susi Kentikian (25-0, 16 KOs) dominated challenger Carolina Gaite (15-2, 11 KOs) over ten rounds to retain her world titles. The “Killer Queen” won by shutout scores of 100-90 on all cards. Gaite’s WIBF 115lb world title was not on the line.
—–
Russian cruiserweight contender Alexander Alekseev (18-1, 16 KOs) came back to his punching best with a third-round stoppage of American Kendrick Releford (20-13-2, 10 KOs). WBO #5 and WBA/WBC #8 Alekseev didn’t look extra spectacular but did his portion of work, connecting to his opponent’s hand and body at will and rocking him numerous times in first three rounds. Releford retired on his stool after the third stanza on what didn’t seem to be a dangerous cut. Alekseev is only the second boxer to stop Releford inside the distance; the first one being DaVarryl Williamson in 2004.
—–
Unified WIBF/GBU female super flyweight champion Alesia Graf (24-1, 9 KOs) barely retained her regalia with a ten-round split decision over American Terri Lynn Cruz (17-6-2, 8 KOs): 96-93, 94-95, 95-94. Graf was down after an overhand right by Cruz in round six and was wobbling around till the end of the next round, digging deep to survive through the American’s fiery attacks.
—–
Venezuelan welterweight power hitter Pablo “El Talentoso” Vasquez (17-0, 16 KOs) was successful in his European debut, but failed to impress as he barely outpointed Romanian journeyman Vasile Surcica (13-28-2, 5 KOs) over six rounds.
—–
Polish 130/135 lb prospect Krzysztof Cieslak (12-0, 4 KOs) scored a third-round technical knockout of out-of-shape German journeyman Suleyman Dag (4-11, 2 KOs). Dag was down after a huge right cross by Cieslak, beat the count but was unable to continue after the doctor’s examination.